Research by the numbers

The college's research achievements for academic year 2022-2023.

Illustrated graphic representing research, featuring icons such as a microscope, laboratory flask, data charts and scientific symbols surrounding the word “Research” on a blue background. Text reads New research awards $54.8 million Overall increase in funding over previous fiscal year 23% Increase in funding from federal agencies 33% Increase in funding from the National Institutes of Health 41% No. of faculty serving as key personnel on research projects 125 Awards for projects using artificial intelligence $11.6M NIH research funding among schools of public health at public universities, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research Top 10

What are Blue Ridge rankings?

The Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research is an independent nonprofit organization that publishes annual rankings of institutions, schools, departments and investigators, based on the funding they receive from the National Institutes of Health.

While Blue Ridge rankings do not include grants awarded by other state and federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it does provide an objective measure of research funding awarded by one of the biggest sponsors of health and medical research. Consequently, Blue Ridge rankings are frequently cited as an important indicator of an institution’s scientific caliber.

A school’s Blue Ridge ranking also reflects:

Innovative discoveries that impact health
Faculty expertise
Educational quality
Graduate student financial support
Research opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral trainees
Alumni job market competitiveness
Economic impact and job creation